Tax Relief Measures in 2024

January 5, 2024


I hope you are enjoying the start of the new year and I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024. My colleagues and I are proud of the work we accomplished in 2023 including common sense legislation that will deliver some much needed savings for taxpayers. Keep scrolling to find out how three tax relief measures will help individuals and families of all ages in 2024.

Speaking of the new year, several new laws took effect earlier this week impacting early voting, hospice care, online privacy, and so much more. Please read below for a full list of what to expect in 2024.

And drivers can expect some delays if their travels take them to the Heroes Tunnel on Route 15. I'll break down why crews are working there and how long that project is going to take to complete.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Tax Relief Measures in 2024
  • New Laws Effective January 1 
  • Work on Heroes Tunnel
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • Hamden Warming Center to Open Soon
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Tax Relief Measures in 2024
As a result of fiscal responsibility and bipartisanship in 2023, I am pleased to announce that significant relief is on the way for many Connecticut taxpayers in 2024!

Three tax relief measures went into effect on January 1, including the largest income tax cut in state history, an increase in a tax credit aimed at the lowest-income workers, and an expansion of exemptions on certain pension and annuity earnings that will benefit the senior population.

Here's a closer look at the tax cuts, who specifically benefits, and how:

One million filers to benefit from income tax cuts:

The changes enacted in 2024 will see a decrease in the two lowest rates:
  • The 3% rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the first $20,000 by joint filers will drop to 2%.
  • The 5% rate on the next $40,000 earned by single filers and the next $80,000 by joint filers will drop to 4.5%.

The relief targets middle-class tax filers and is capped at $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for joint filers. This is the first time that rates have been reduced in the state since the mid-1990s and it represents the largest income tax cut enacted in state history.
For more information, single filers click here. For joint filers, click here.

Connecticut’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income workers becomes one of the largest in the U.S.

The EITC in Connecticut is increasing from 30.5% to 40% of the federal EITC and will provide an additional $44.6 million in state tax credits to the approximately 211,000 low-income filers who receive the credit. More than 95% of filers who receive this credit are families with children.

The Connecticut EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for the lowest income working individuals and families that mirrors the federal EITC.
Expanding certain deductions for IRA distributions and pension and annuity earnings for seniors

The state budget eliminates the retirement income tax cliff by adding a phase-out for allowable pension annuity and IRA distribution deductions against the personal income tax.

Approximately 200,000 filers benefit from the currently enacted retiree exemption limits. It is estimated that with these changes, an additional 100,000 filers could benefit from the elimination of the retirement cliff via the exemption phase-out.
I would like to thank all my colleagues for working diligently during the 2023 legislative session to help provide this tax relief for many of our hardest-working state residents. The three measures will reduce tax burdens on CT taxpayers by $460 million!
 
New Laws Effective January 1
As we enjoy the start of a new year, there are some laws that took effect on January 1, 2024 addressing key issues including early voting, health and mental health, as well as online privacy and data protection.

Although extensive, below I share some highlights and a link to the complete list of new laws. Please share and reach out to my office if you would like more detail on any of the new laws.
EARLY VOTING (PA 23-5)

Establishes a framework for early, in-person voting requiring a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries.

SUPPORT FOR DEPENDENT SPOUSES (PA 23-7)

Sets a timeframe within which the court must hold a hearing on temporary financial support in divorce, legal separation, annulment, and custody proceedings.

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE (PA 23-174)

Includes the creation of a Hospice Hospital at Home pilot program to provide in-home hospice care to patients through in-person visits and telehealth.

PROTECTING MATERNAL HEALTH (PA 23-147)

Establishes a new license category for freestanding birth centers, an Infant Mortality Relief Program to review medical records and other data on infant deaths and a midwifery working group to study and make recommendations on advancing choices for community birth care.

ONLINE PRIVACY, DATA AND SAFETY PROTECTIONS (PA 23-56)

Makes various changes to laws on data privacy and related issues, including provisions on consumer health data, minors’ social media accounts and online services, online dating operators, and a task force on internet crimes against children. 

RESOURCES FOR PERSONS WITH AN INTELLECTUAL 
OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY (PA 23-137)

Among many supportive measures, creates a plan to establish a Transitional Life Skills College program to support certain people with IDD who are transitioning out of high school or to independent living. 

WORKERS' COMPENSATION FOR POST-TRAUMATIC 
STRESS INJURIES (PA 23-35) 

Expands eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries to all employees covered by the workers’ compensation law.
New Laws Effective January 1, 2024
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during the legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue sharing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
 
Work on Heroes Tunnel
Drivers can expect some slowdowns the next time they drive through Heroes Tunnel on Route 15 in New Haven near the Woodbridge town line. Crews are repairing and replacing the lights in the tunnel to improve visibility as part of a nearly $2.5 million project.
 
Drivers on the northbound side will be diverted onto the highspeed lane of the southbound Barrel. Those on the southbound lanes will be diverted onto the highspeed lane on the northbound Barrel.
 
Work will take place between 6:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. each evening. The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the project to be completed in May.
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
You are still eligible to enroll, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options with Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment ends on January 15.
 
If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:
  • In-person: The closest enrollment fair will be in Hamden on Sunday, January 7 from 10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. at the Stratford Recreation Department. CLICK HERE for more information.
  • In-person: There will be another enrollment fair in Milford on Friday, January 13. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
    8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
 
Hamden Warming Center to Open Soon
The Town of Hamden, in partnership with Columbus House, Inc., will open an overnight winter warming center for those experiencing homelessness in our community.

Hamden’s Warming Center will be open every day from January through March 31st from 7 P.M. - 7 A.M at the Keefe Community Center Gym at 11 Pine Street.
The warming center does not provide any beds. The facility will offer a clean, safe, indoor overnight space to protect those in need from harsh weather conditions for those who would likely otherwise spend their nights outdoors. Hamden Police will provide walk-throughs on a nightly basis.
Click Here For More Information
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar.
Click on the image of the Derby Public Library to see all the events taking place there in January and February!
You’re invited to the Derby Historical Society's annual 12th Night Celebration! This tradition of the last night of Christmas features food, music, caroling and a reading of A Christmas Carol. $5 per person at the door.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look and click on the flier(s) below to learn more about the upcoming events. Make sure to check out the button at the bottom of this section to learn about other events taking place in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.
Stop by Case Memorial Library to learn how to code an Ozobot and put the robot through a test of mazes and races! For children ages 6-12. CLICK HERE to register.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar.
Check out an art display at Woodbridge Town Library on Saturday. It’s free to attend and open to public for all ages.
Woodbridge Community Calendar